Perceived Enjoyment Responses to High-intensity Interval Exercise and Continuous Exercise in Physically Inactive Young Men

Abstract

Exercise enjoyment is purported to predict future exercise engagement. While the physiological benefits associated with high intensity interval exercise (HIIE) have been well documented, limited information exists regarding individuals’ enjoyment of this form of exercise in comparison to traditional continuous exercise modalities, particularly in physically inactive individuals. PURPOSE: To quantify rating of perceived enjoyment using the physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES) following HIIE, moderate-intensity continuous exercise, and vigorous-intensity continuous exercise in physically inactive young men. METHODS: Twelve physically inactive apparently healthy young men (mean age: 24.33 ± 1.72 years; body mass index: 23.49 ± 4.64 kg m−2; VO2max: 44.86 ± 6.55 mL kg−1 min−1) participated in the study. Using a randomized cross over design, participants undertook three running trials consisting of HIIE (10 x 1 min at 100% VO2max interspersed with 10 x 1 min active recovery at 50% VO2max), moderate-intensity continuous exercise (40 min at 65% VO2max) and vigorous intensity continuous exercise (20 min at 80% VO2max). After the completion of all trials, participants were asked to rate their perceived enjoyment using PACES. Statistical analysis was calculated using one-way ANOVA with repeated measures to examine within-subject effect. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in perceived enjoyment rating following HIIE (92.42 ± 13.77), moderate-intensity continuous exercise (87.67 ± 15.38), and vigorous intensity continuous exercise (90.58 ± 16.38) (p = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Acute enjoyment responses to HIIE and continuous exercise were similar in physically inactive young adults. Future research is warranted to compare the chronic enjoyment responses to HIIT and continuous exercise in this population.